A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the recently approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and subject them to broader consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State and serves as Deputy Spokesman of the 10th House of Representatives, expressed his views in a letter to the President.

In the letter, which was made available to the media, the lawmaker emphasised the need for careful consideration of the proposed changes to ensure they align with the NYSC’s foundational objectives of promoting national unity, integration, and cohesion among Nigerian youths.

Hon. Agbese noted that while periodic review and modernisation of national institutions are necessary, any reforms to the NYSC should be approached with caution, given the scheme’s historical significance since its establishment in 1973 after the Nigerian Civil War.

He highlighted several aspects of the approved reforms that, in his opinion, require further examination. These include the proposed transition from military to civilian operational leadership, the extension of the orientation camp period from three to six weeks, the replacement of the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric, and the introduction of skills-based deployment of corps members.

The lawmaker argued that the NYSC has played a vital role in fostering understanding among young Nigerians from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds through its policy of posting graduates outside their states of origin.

According to him, maintaining this integrative approach remains essential for national development and social harmony. He suggested that any new deployment system should be carefully designed to preserve this core objective.

On the proposed change in leadership structure, Agbese said there is a need to thoroughly assess how the scheme can maintain effective coordination and rapid response capabilities in a challenging security environment while considering the shift to civilian leadership.

He also raised concerns about the potential implications of extending the orientation camp duration, noting the additional logistical and financial requirements this would place on the system, especially given current economic realities.

Regarding the uniform change, the lawmaker observed that the traditional khaki has long served as a symbol of equality and national identity. He recommended that any new uniform policy should be one that continues to promote unity and a sense of belonging among all corps members.

Hon. Agbese urged President Tinubu to direct the suspension of the current reforms and the constitution of a broad-based, multi-disciplinary review committee. Such a committee, he suggested, should include historians, security experts, educationists, traditional rulers, youth representatives, legislators, and other relevant stakeholders.

He believes this inclusive approach would ensure that the final reforms strengthen rather than weaken the NYSC’s capacity to continue serving as a unifying institution for Nigerian youths.

“The NYSC remains one of Nigeria’s most important nation-building platforms. It is essential that any reforms introduced are carefully considered and enjoy broad support so that the scheme can continue to fulfil its mandate of promoting national unity and developing the character of our young graduates,” Agbese stated.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian project and expressed confidence that, with proper consultation and thoughtful implementation, the NYSC can be strengthened to better serve the needs of the country and its youthful population in the years ahead.

This development comes amid ongoing public discourse on the future of the NYSC and how best to adapt the scheme to contemporary realities while preserving its core values and objectives.